The Model A Legacy 

The most recognizable “old timey” car in America is the Model A Ford. It’s a favorite of car collectors, parade attendees, and anyone who happens to see one being driven through town. Built from 1928-1931, it is estimated that 250,000 Model A’s still exist in the hands of collectors! It was among the most widely produced vehicles of its time, and Ford manufactured 5 million Model A’s during the four-year period. Because they sold for $500, it was affordable for the working man. 

A Model A Family 

To Will Langford, a Model A enthusiast, the car has come to symbolize family togetherness. Over the last 20 years, he has had many memories of riding in the car with his father, kids, and grandkids. The Model A has woven in and out of Will’s family history since coming off the production line in 1928. 

“It started because my dad had surgery that didn’t go well. I thought a father/son project might pull him out of depression,” Will said. “He was a Motor Pool sergeant in WWII, so I hoped that working on a car would focus his mind on something other than his health. I got us a Model A to work on, and two weeks later, he was back to his old self.” 

Will owns two Model A cars. He has a 1931 red coupe with a rumble seat, which he calls by his dad’s nickname, “Sarge.” The other is a two-door named “Buster,” after his uncle. Will also discovered that his grandfather drove a Model A Ford pickup truck to California to pick crops during the Great Depression. 

“Route 66 had just opened up, and when you look at historic photos from the 1930s, it’s mostly Model A Fords on the road,” Will said. “Think Grapes of Wrath; Model A’s with mattresses on top or livestock tied to the running boards. I think Henry Ford would be shocked to learn his car is still being driven.” 

A Hobbyist’s Guide 

According to Will, people can expect to see more Model A Fords during 2026, because car clubs are making appearances along Route 66 like never before. “The best way to showcase these cars is by being seen in the public. You are never lonely when you drive a Model A Ford, because people wave and honk and take photos the whole time.” 

Will, who recently finished a two-year term on the National Board of Directors for the Model A Ford Club of America, recommends clubs for anyone interested in the hobby. There are hundreds of local clubs, including the Oklahoma City Model A Restorers Group. 

“Restoring the car is one thing, keeping it drivable is another, because everything is manual. There is a lot of expertise on how to find vintage or reproduction parts,” Will said. “Clubs provide technical support and emotional support. It’s a hobby that takes patience.” 

For Will, the hard work is paid back in the “innumerable smiles” he sees. “It’s the original car hobby. Younger generations have grown up with these cars, and they are being passed down from fathers or grandfathers who collected them.” 

What started as a father/son project for Will has continued as a father/grandson tradition. “My oldest grandson was just two when he first rode in the rumble seat at a parade. It’s been a real joy for me to watch him learn to drive the car, and now, he’s helped me put it back in driving condition. Model A Fords have provided us memories that will last forever.” 

Visit okcmarg.org to learn more and see a schedule of events.